Get Oriented (GO) - Freshmen Orientation

GO (Get Oriented) is Houston Christian University’s official free and required orientation for new incoming freshmen and transfer students. Freshmen GO is an opportunity for new students to learn more about HCU and to get acquainted with the many programs and services we offer to students.

Notice: Campus Parking Impacted due to Construction

HCU is in an exciting phase of campus development! We recently began construction on our new Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building, which has caused some parking lot and entrance gate closures on campus.

When you arrive for GO, please navigate to Gate 3, located on Beechnut Street. The side of campus you’ll need to be on for the start of GO is currently inaccessible from our main entrance, which is where your GPS will take you by default.

GO check-in is in McNair Hall of our Morris Cultural Arts Center. Navigating to that address using your GPS should take you to the Gate 3 entrance, but please confirm that you are entering off of Beechnut Street.

Please also consult our Pardon our Progress page for current lot closures and more information regarding this exciting time for the HCU community!

Upcoming HCU Orientation Schedule

Freshman Orientation

  • June 8-9, 2026
  • June 11-12, 2026
  • June 15-16, 2026
  • June 18-19, 2026

Register for Freshman Orientation

Mini GO

  • July 8, 2026
  • July 22, 2026
  • August 5, 2026

Register for Mini GO Orientation

Virtual Orientation

  • July 9, 2026

Register for Virtual Orientation

 

Veteran Orientation

  • January 5-7, 2026

Register for Veteran Orientation

Transfer Orientation

  • June 3, 2026
  • June 24, 2026

Register for Transfer Orientation

International Orientation

  • August 14, 2026

Register for International Orientation

Freshman GO

The Freshman GO is designed to introduce you to HCU, the college experience and set you up for success in your first semester and beyond!

Transfer GO

Our Transfer GO helps transfer students get plugged into the HCU community, register for classes and more!

Mini GO

Mini GO orientation sessions take place after the June Summer GO sessions. Mini GO is only for new Freshmen and Transfer students attending HCU for the Fall semester. These sessions allow new Huskies and their families to hear from all departments across campus including advising and financial aid.

Helpful Resources and Tools for Orientation

How to Prepare for Class Registration

Advising & Class Registration

  • Freshmen: During registration, you will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes. An academic advisor will review all of the AP and Dual Credit information you have submitted. Please provide all dual credit and AP course work or credit for the most accurate schedule.
  • Transfers: Please note that while you are not required to attend Transfer GO, it is highly encouraged for you to attend one of our Pre-Registration sessions.

NOTE: Transfer students selected for our Fall nursing cohort will be required to attend a nursing orientation this summer in addition to Pre-Registration.

Recruited Athletes: You will have the chance to meet with our Director of Academics to ensure your athletic and academic schedules align.

Begin Your Pre-Work

Preparing for your Pre-Registration session has never been easier! We have outlined all of the steps you need to take to prepare for your advising and class registration here at HCU:

  • ALEKS Math Placement: It is crucial that you take the ALEKS exam (HCU’s math placement exam) prior to pre-registration. You are allowed to take the ALEKS once. The exam is accessible via Huskynet (found in the student portal**) and can be taken at home.
  • Dual Credit & College Transcripts: We know retrieving transcripts is tough, which is why we accept unofficial dual credit transcripts for use in your class registration. This record will allow your advisor to recommend the best class schedule for you.
  • English Placement Examination: Students who do not meet the requirements for English Placement will be required to take our placement Accuplacer exam. See the Testing Page for more information.
  • Confirm Your Major: Don’t forget to confirm your major! If you have decided to change your major, please update the Admissions office by using this form: HC.edu/update.